South Korea revisits female conscription as male draft numbers sharply decline

The question of compulsory military service for women resurfaced in South Korea during a National Assembly defense committee audit on Oct. 12, as legislators warned that a shrinking pool of draft-eligible men threatens defense readiness. Defense ministry figures show the number of 20-year-old men eligible for service dropped from 332,000 in 2019 to 257,000 in 2022 and could fall below 150,000 after 2040. Opposition lawmakers such as Yoo Yeong-ha and Chun Ha-ram called for a societal debate on gender-equal conscription, while Military Manpower Administration Commissioner Hong So-young said universal conscription is not being considered yet but acknowledged the demographic challenge.

A Reform Institute poll indicates six-in-ten South Koreans now support female conscription, though opinions among women remain split. Scholars and analysts argue that any expansion must be preceded by reforms to address sexual abuse, improve working conditions, and attract voluntary, highly skilled personnel.